< Previous40 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY HEALTH & FITNESS Checking up on our bodies We’re all used to getting checkups at the doctor but there are a lot more checkups that can help improve your quality of life as you get older. LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 41 HEALTH & FITNESS D octors and dentists. These are the two fundamentals that everyone is used to getting checkups from, even if we may hate doing so. People know not to take risks with either and almost anyone can tell you when their last one was. Ask about an eye check, however, or a spine and posture check, or even a hearing test, and people suddenly become a lot less sure. As we age, all parts of our body begin to suffer some wear and tear. Our bodies are constantly working and operating at peak performance, and our busy lifestyles don’t make it any easier. A life spent on two feet with gravity pulling down on us at all times places an incredible load on a person’s muscles and skeleton. Enough so that chronic backpain is a common problem amongst most adults in their forties. Osteoarthritis is another known issue. Despite this, and despite the incredible load placed on the NHS with people reporting these issues, there are very few attempts made to visit chiropractors and specialists to have a checkup or find what we can do to protect our bodies. Slipped discs, spinal issues and posture issues that might place pressure on bones can all be detected and dealt with by those with the knowhow – and yet when it comes to our skeleton, we take a lot less care than we do our teeth. The same goes for our eyes. Those with glasses may be used to visiting every now and then for a checkup, typically when reminded via email, but © stock.adobe.com/Dusko 42 Á42 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY HEALTH & FITNESS Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of severe sight impairment. It is the name given to a group of eye conditions where the optic nerve at the back of the eye is damaged. It is often linked with raised eye pressure, although this can sometimes be normal. When the nerve is damaged, it can start to cause problems with the peripheral vision (side vision) and, if left, can cause permanent damage. Is there any treatment? Yes, there is but it depends on the type of glaucoma you have. Drops, laser treatment or surgery can be used to help control the eye pressure. The key is early treatment to prevent permanent sight loss. What can I do to help prevention? Often glaucoma does not have symptoms, so this is why it is very important to have regular eye examinations to help detect glaucoma in its early stages. This should be every two years, or less if you are more at risk of glaucoma or have been advised by your optometrist. Age is the biggest risk factor for glaucoma. However, your risk also increases if you have a close relative with glaucoma, are black African or Caribbean, East Asian, diabetic, have low blood pressure or are short-sighted. If you are diagnosed with glaucoma, it is important to let your close relatives know as they may be at increased risk of developing the disease. What tests are used to detect signs of glaucoma? Checking the eye pressures, appearance of the optic nerves and peripheral vision are essential to detecting signs of glaucoma. If possible, you should also consider having an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scan done. This captures detailed 3D cross-sectional images of the retinal layers that make up the back of your eye as well as the optic nerve. This helps us to detect early signs of conditions such as glaucoma which might be missed with traditional eye testing. Charlie Holland and Neil James To book an eye examination including OCT scan visit hollandjames.co.uk/book, call 01652 408200 or pop into the store in Brigg to speak with Charlie or Neil directly. those who have never had to use glasses can go decades without visiting an optometrist. Eye problems exist as more than just short or long sightedness. There are numerous diseases and infections of the eye, including cancers, that can be caught early if found in these tests, and it’s a quick and often inexpensive process as well. Typically, it can last less than half an hour, sometimes as little as fifteen minutes. Vision also tends to get worse as a person grows older, and refusing to use glasses if they are needed can place additional strain on eyes. It’s not all vision, however. Dry eye sickness can leave people feeling coarse and uncomfortable and can be solved very easily – often without a need to a doctor or GP, which can be very hard to get appointments with nowadays. While we’re talking tests, another that many don’t consider is a nutritional test. We are what we eat, from our gut health to our skin to our energy levels, and it’s never too late to improve our diets. By speaking to a nutritionist, we can get a view for deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals and be given diet advice to help achieve goals from a stronger immune system to losing weight. Unlike trips to the dentist and doctor, these can be done once and left for several years as well, and they can have effects on those trips. Food dictates the health of our bodies, so a good diet means less trips to the doctor. It’s easy to only focus on the “necessary checks” and forget all the others we can have done, but our bodies are deeply complex organisms and every part of the body works together. A problem in one area can swiftly become a problem in others, so it’s better to be proactive and to take care of the whole body, even if that means a trip once every year, or even every two or three, to have a few extra tests done. © stock.adobe.com/VasylLINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 43 CARING We talk often about what older people can do to improve their quality of life, but it’s important to remember that the younger audience has a responsibility as well. Our parents raised us, sacrificing time and effort to keep us happy, and there are things we can do to return the favour when they need it most. A dvances in health care have resulted in many of us living longer. As a result, the number of older people in the county is growing significantly and this rate of growth is projected to increase as healthcare continues to make more advances. This is great news but, sadly, it creates a challenge for our families as -according to research - 75% of 75-year-olds in the UK are likely to have more than one long term condition, and this rises to a staggering 82% with 85-year-olds. It’s easy to see therefore how this affects not just those in their golden years but everyone who has, or is likely to have, an elderly family member or loved one in their lives. It’s fair to say that all of us want our loved ones to have a great quality of life, regardless of age and, where possible, to live a fulfilling and vibrant life. So, here’s a few tips for those looking to ensure their relatives can enjoy their retirement to their full. While many of us might assume our Caring for family 44 Á © stock.adobe.com/Halfpoint44 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY CARING relatives want to maintain their independent lifestyle, by staying in their own home, this is not always the case. Those living alone can find the days long and lonely. It can also be daunting to keep on top of household chores and without domestic help they can easily find themselves falling behind with basic cleaning and maintenance of the home. It is vital therefore to discuss care regimens with relatives and ask, gently, if they need any outside assistance. Some may see it as an interference or giving up part of their independence. Perhaps even be concerned about security issues. Others may see such help as a blessing, so it is vital to discuss and encourage your loved one to make their own decisions, and when and where they would like to receive it. Try to listen, with both ears, rather than make recommendations or playing down concerns that your loved one might have. Remember, older people have been on the planet longer and do know a thing or two, despite how savvy you may think you are! Once you know more about what your loved one wants and needs, you can research what resources are available together and seek a few recommendations before signing up to any of these services. To combat isolation, create opportunities, as frequently as possible for your loved one to play an active role in your own family and in your community. Not having someone to bounce ideas off or spark conversation with, or just to have a good old moan with from time to time, can be a major cause of emotional distress for people as they grow older. Remember they may lack the technological skills to talk to others on social media, so try to teach them how to do this too. It is important you also stay on top of the latest technology too, so you can help your loved ones take advantage of any safety monitoring systems and help them steer clear of any pitfalls brought about by social media. There are technological devices that can give you peace of mind to leave the house or get a good night’s sleep, confident that you will be informed if an emergency occurs. These devices can also give the person you care for greater independence. This type of support is known as telecare. Some examples of telecare devices which are being used to transform the lives of carers and those they look after are: sensors that can detect if the gas has been left on or if someone has got out of bed, and wearable technology such as a wrist alarm that allows you (the carer) to be alerted if a fall is detected. If you think this type of support would be helpful, raise it when the person you care for has their needs assessment or during your carer’s assessment. You could also contact your local social services department and ask for information about their telecare services. If you are interested in purchasing technological devices and equipment, talk first to your LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 45 CARING © stock.adobe.com/Halfpoint local carers service to find out if there is any financial support available to assist you. For more information and examples of technology support visit the Carers UK website at www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/equipment- and-technology. If you are a full-time carer for your loved one, you will also need time to rejuvenate from time to time and may need to employ caregivers to stand in for you. Care homes often provide day care for your loved one, which will give both you and your loved one a valuable break from each other and activities for your loved one to immerse themselves in with people of a similar age group. There is nothing to be ashamed of when doing this, as you have your own life to live and the person you are caring for would never want to deprive you of that. Why do I need a Lasting Power of Attorney? Only 14% of UK adults have a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in place, yet it is something to consider when making your Will. What is an LPA? An LPA allows you to give someone the legal authority to make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so. You can appoint one or more trusted individuals, known as attorneys, to make decisions about your health, welfare, or finances. There are two types of LPA: 1. Health and Welfare – covers decisions about medical care, where you live, and social activities. 2. Finance and Property – includes managing property, paying bills, and handling investments. It’s recommended to have both in place. Why you should have an LPA: 1. Assistance when you can’t make decisions: An LPA allows attorneys to act when you lose capacity due to illness or injury. It can also cover instances where you have capacity but cannot physically manage, like attending meetings. 2. Tailored to your needs: You choose who your attorneys are and what decisions they can make. 3. Helpful for loved ones: An LPA avoids lengthy Court of Protection procedures, allowing your loved ones to make decisions quickly. 4. Cost-effective: Having an LPA prevents the need for costly court applications. LPA applications start from £450 + VAT. 5. Easy to make: Our legal team makes the process stress-free and straightforward. Contact Ringrose Law to discuss making an LPA. We have 9 offices across Lincolnshire and the wider region. Visit www.ringroselaw.co.uk for more details. To speak to one of our advisors contact one of our offices across Lincolnshire and the wider region or email wecanhelp@ringroselaw.co.uk Nerina Farmer, Head of Wills & Probate AT Ringrose Law46 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY FOOD & DINING recipes We include some warming food for the cooler month, as well as two pumpkin recipes if you have any leftovers from Halloween. October Pumpkin & Ginger Soup Serves 4 Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes You’ll need: * A large knob of butter (use plant based butter to make this vegan) * 1 small leek, roughly chopped and washed * 1 small onion, peeled and roughly chopped * 30g Opies ginger, scraped and finely chopped What to do: 1. Gently cook the leek, onion, ginger, cumin seeds, chilli and thyme in the butter in a large saucepan until soft. 2. Add the squash (or pumpkin) and vegetable stock, bring to the boil, season with salt and pepper, then simmer for 20 minutes 3. Blend in a liquidiser until smooth, then strain through a fine-meshed sieve. 4. Re-heat the soup and adjust the consistency with a little vegetable stock or water if necessary and re-season with salt and pepper. * 1tsp cumin seeds * 1 small chilli, chopped * A few sprigs of thyme * 1kg of ripe yellow pumpkin or butternut squash, peeled, seeded and roughly chopped * 1.5 litres vegetable stock * Salt and freshly ground black pepper * 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds, lightly toastedFOOD & DINING LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 47 Bonfire Night Chilli Ginger Preparation time: 30 minutes plus chilling time Cooking time: 10 minutes Makes 8 slices You’ll need: * 250g ginger biscuits * 1 tsp ancho chilli flakes, soaked in boiling water * 300g dark chocolate * 80g unsalted butter * 1 tbsp golden syrup * 90g balls of Opies Stem Ginger in Syrup, grated, syrup reserved * 100g white chocolate * Chocolate stars for decoration What to do: 1. Line a square baking tin with greaseproof paper. Add the ginger biscuits to a food processor and pulse until you have chunky crumbs. Empty into a mixing bowl. 2. Drain the chilli flakes and grind into a paste using a pestle and mortar. Set aside. 3. Place half (150g) of the dark chocolate into a heatproof bowl with the butter, syrup, stem ginger and 1 tbsp of reserved stem ginger syrup. Place the bowl over a pan of boiling water and stir until melted together. Add the chilli paste and mix again. 4. Pour the chocolate mixture over the biscuit crumbs and stir until everything is well combined. Tip the mixture into the tin and smooth over evenly, ensuring you fill right up to the corners. Place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up. 5. Meanwhile break the remaining dark chocolate up into pieces in a bowl and place over a pan of boiling water, stir until melted. Next melt the white chocolate the same way in a separate bowl. 6. Remove the tin from the fridge and pour over the melted dark chocolate. Quickly pour over the white chocolate and use a chopstick or skewer to create swirling patterns. Scatter over some chocolate stars and return to the fridge for an hour until completely set. 7. Remove the tin from the fridge and carefully remove the tiffin. Cut into squares and store in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to serve. TiffinTo promote your services call Angie Cooper on 01472 310302 or email: a.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk Click’em Inn Swinhope, Nr Binbrook, Market Rasen, LN8 6BS Tel: 01472 398253 Web: www.clickem-inn.co.uk The Click’em Inn is a family-owned freehouse, established for over 30 years in its current incarnation. Steeped in history, the inn is open 6 days a week, Tuesday- Sunday, offering a wide choice of drinks, including six real ales available at any time, with a regularly changing selection of personally recommended guest ales. The Kitchen is open Tuesday-Sunday for evening dining, plus lunchtimes Friday-Sunday. The menu varies from day-to-day with the chef’s specials, alongside regular meals. 48 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY Hot Buttered What to do: 1. In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over a low heat. 2. Once the butter has melted, to the saucepan add the brown sugar, Opies Stem Ginger syrup, chopped Stem Ginger, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Stir well to combine. 3. Cook the mixture for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until the sugar has dissolved and the ingredients are blended. 4. Pour the dark rum into the saucepan and continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the mixture to heat through. 5. Meanwhile heat the water in a kettle until it is hot but not boiling. 6. Once the rum mixture is heated, carefully pour the hot water into the saucepan, stirring to combine all the ingredients. 7. Remove the saucepan from the heat and pour into heatproof glasses or mugs. 8. Garnish each glass with a cinnamon stick, if desired. Rum Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes Allergens: Dairy, Gluten You’ll need: * 50g Unsalted Butter * 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar * 1 tablespoon Opies Stem Ginger syrup * 2 pieces Opies Stem Ginger, finely chopped * 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon * 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg * 200ml Hot Water * Cinnamon stick, for garnish (optional) FOOD & DINING LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 49 Leftover Pumpkin Tacos Serves 4 Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes Allergens: Dairy, Gluten (check ingredients of tortillas) You’ll need: * 300g Leftover Cooked Pumpkin, diced * 1 tablespoon Olive Oil * 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin * 1 teaspoon Paprika * 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder * Salt and pepper to taste * 8 small soft Corn Tortillas * 100g Feta Cheese, crumbled (use plant based alternative to make recipe vegan-friendly) * 1/2 Red Onion, thinly sliced * 1/2 jar Opies Mini Gherkins, sliced * Fresh Coriander leaves, for garnish * Lime wedges, for serving What to do: 1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over a medium heat. 2. Add the diced pumpkin to the skillet and sprinkle with ground cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper. 3. Cook the pumpkin, stirring occasionally, until heated through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. 4. Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave according to pack instructions. 5. Divide the cooked pumpkin evenly among the warm tortillas. 6. Top each taco with crumbled feta cheese, thinly sliced red onion and sliced Opies Mini Gherkins. 7. Garnish with fresh coriander. 8. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side. This month’s recipes provided by Bennett Opies. www.bennettopie.com • @OpiesFoods Next >